Acoustic Shock — New Court Ruling

New court ruling today in the UK today - the High Court ruled in favour of a viola player who suffered acoustic shock during a rehearsal at the Royal Opera House where the noise level exceeded 130 decibels. (it was a Wagner opera unsurprisingly). The Royal Opera House had argued that "Acoustic shock does not exist (and even if it does this musician doesn't have it".

According to the BBC this is the first time 'acoustic shock' has been recognised as a condition which can be compensated by a court. More information here:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-43571144

This will hopefully have implications for the duty of care employers owe to their employees in terms of noise levels and all retail and entertainment organisations owe to their customers. Although there have been regulations before seeing them enforced by a Court Judgement including compensation is a step forward.

 

Brilliant News thanks for posting it @david c,
Love glynis

 

Hopefully this will lead to a fully realised Duty of Care to the public and professionals in and around music.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-43571144

 

www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/entertainment-arts-43571144

This is very a significant step for the victims of noise damage and in a world of health and safety regulations, surprisingly, it’s the first of its kind.

 

I though this was worth bringing to peoples attention. For the first time in the U.K. a musician has won a case in the high court over an incident which damaged his ears.

More info here:

https://www.tinnitus.org.uk/blog/landmark-ruling-in-musicians-hearing-damage-case

Happy Easter.

 

As someone who got my tinnitus from playing in the school Orchestra, this makes me very happy .